Hilderbran stopped short of officially announcing a run for comptroller, which is what political observers are waiting for and what he's expected to declare later this summer.

For now, Wednesday's announcement seems an attempt to tee up a future run for the office.

Hilderbran has served in the House since 1988. In the past session, he helped lead the charge in the lower chamber to pass a high-profile bill to give businesses in the Lone Star State more than $700 million in tax breaks.

In a personal privilege speech from the House floor, Hilderbran choked up at times, saying “it's been such an honor to serve in this hallowed chamber.

“While I won't be returning to the 84th legislative session as a state representative, I intend to be here in a different capacity working closely with you to address the important issues that face Texas.”